The Notting Hill Carnival, known for its vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, took a tragic turn on August 25 last year when 32-year-old Cher Maximen was fatally stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter.
What should have been a joyful occasion turned into a scene of horror as violence erupted on the crowded streets of west London. The alleged assailant, 20-year-old Shakeil Thibou, is currently on trial, accused of murdering Ms. Maximen with a “zombie knife” during a chaotic altercation.
A Day of Celebration Turns Deadly
Cher Maximen had joined friends and their children at the Notting Hill Carnival, a festival that annually brings together thousands of people to celebrate music, dance, and culture. However, the joyful atmosphere was shattered when violence broke out at approximately 5:48 p.m. on Golborne Road.
According to prosecutors, Thibou and his two brothers became involved in an altercation with at least two other men, leading to a “horrifying outbreak of violence.”
Witnesses described seeing Thibou produce a “huge” zombie knife, a weapon notorious for its intimidating appearance and deadly effectiveness. As he lunged at another man, Adjei Isaac, with “determined, thrusting” movements, the confrontation spiraled out of control.
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Ms. Maximen, who was sitting on the ground with her daughter and friends, became caught in the chaos. In the struggle, she was knocked over, and while trying to regain her footing, she grabbed Thibou’s coat. In what prosecutors describe as a deliberate act, Thibou then thrust the knife into her groin, causing a fatal injury.
The Horror Unfolds in Seconds
The court heard that the attack happened within just eight seconds—a brief but devastating moment that changed lives forever. Jurors were shown police bodycam footage capturing the immediate aftermath. Prosecutor Ed Brown KC emphasized the sheer intensity of the attack, telling the jury they would “see pure anger in the face of Shakeil Thibou.”
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Ms. Maximen’s young daughter was mere feet away from her mother when the stabbing occurred. As the chaos unfolded, Thibou and his brothers fled the scene, leaving Ms. Maximen lying on the ground, bleeding profusely from a 12cm-deep wound that caused severe internal bleeding.
Despite receiving emergency medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries six days later in the hospital. The devastating impact of this act of violence on her daughter and loved ones cannot be overstated. What should have been a family-friendly event turned into a nightmare, leaving those present in shock and grief.
The Trial and Legal Proceedings
Shakeil Thibou stands accused of murder and the attempted murder of Adjei Isaac, though he denies both charges. His brothers, Sheldon Thibou, 25, and Shaeim Thibou, 22, also face charges of assaulting a police officer and violent disorder, which they also deny.
The court has heard testimonies detailing the panic and terror that gripped the carnival-goers in the moments following the stabbing. Witnesses recounted the sight of Ms. Maximen collapsing while bystanders desperately tried to help her.
One of the central points of the trial is whether Thibou’s actions were intentional. Prosecutors argue that he deliberately stabbed Ms. Maximen, while his defense team claims the incident was an accident amidst the chaos.
The case has reignited debates about knife crime in the UK, particularly the prevalence of zombie knives, which have been associated with violent attacks. The government has faced mounting pressure to strengthen laws against these weapons, with calls to tighten restrictions and increase penalties for possession.
As the trial continues, the loved ones of Cher Maximen seek justice, while the wider community mourns the loss of yet another victim to knife violence. The tragic events at Notting Hill Carnival serve as a stark reminder of the need for stronger measures to prevent such senseless acts and ensure that public gatherings remain safe spaces for all.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏